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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Evidence regarding validity of self-reported family history of cancer
(FHC) has been reviewed only for breast, colorectal, prostate, ovarian,
endometrial and uterine cancer. We aimed to systematically review
studies assessing validity of self-reported family history for the
remaining cancer sites. We searched the Medline database for relevant
studies published by January 2016. We extracted information on the study
design and the positive predictive value (PPV) of self-reported FHC,
defined as the proportion of reported cancer diagnoses among relatives
that was confirmed by a reference standard (as a measure of
overreporting). We also extracted information on sensitivity of
self-reported FHC (as a measure of underreporting). Overall, 21 studies
were included that provided information on the PPV of self-reported FHC
for relevant cancers and 4 studies also provided information on
sensitivity. The PPV was highest (mostly >70%) for pancreatic, lung,
thyroid and urinary system cancers and for leukemia and lymphoma, while
it was lowest for stomach and liver cancer. Sensitivity was highest
(>70%) for pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, melanoma,
leukemia and lymphoma. For several cancers, sample sizes were low and
the number of studies limited, particularly regarding sensitivity of
self-reported FHC. In conclusion, for some cancers (e.g. pancreatic
cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma) self-reported FHC can be
considered sufficiently valid to be useful e.g. in preventive
counseling. For several cancers, it is not sufficiently studied or the
pattern is inconsistent. This needs to be taken into account when using
self-reported information about FHC in clinical practice or
epidemiological research.